We saw so many parallels between how the priests were to be ordained and consecrated for service and how we are to make our lives clean and set aside all our actions as holy to YHWH.
Even their clothes were to be set apart! Not only did their clothes show that they were to be honored and respected, but they were also modest, covering them while they served in the Tabernacle.
Toward the end of the portion, we also learned about the
altar of incense. This altar stands for the prayers of each one of YHWH's people, rising before Him as a precious fragrance.
A friend of mine commented to me this week that she felt she had spent so much time teaching her children how to study the Bible that she had forgotten to teach them how to
pray.
I thought it was interesting that much time was spent teaching Aaron and his sons how to be set apart and clean. In addition, they spent seven days in the Tabernacle as part of the process of setting up the priesthood.
Once they were prepared and clean, then the offerings of incense began on the altar.
Scripture says,
"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination" (Psalm 28:9, ESV).
But once we begin to turn back to the Torah, cleaning up our actions and learning how to be consecrated in His service, we then start to realize that He hears our prayers and that we
can offer them daily to Him, in full knowledge that they are precious to Him and He will answer.
.jpg)
